Grimsby Town vs Manchester United – Match Preview and Team News

Grimsby Town and Manchester United meet in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night in a historic fixture at Blundell Park.

The match is the first between the clubs in 77 years. The in-form League Two side will be aiming for a famous giant-killing act against Rúben Amorim’s struggling Premier League visitors.

The tie presents a classic David vs Goliath scenario. David Artell’s Mariners have made an impressive unbeaten start to their league campaign. In contrast, Manchester United remain winless in the Premier League and are already under significant pressure to find form.

1. Date: Wednesday, 27th August 2025
2. Kick-off: 8pm BST
3. Venue: Blundell Park, Grimsby

Team News

Grimsby Town

Manager David Artell is expected to name his strongest possible side as the Mariners hunt for an upset. Their main threat will be striker Jaze Kabia, who is in scintillating form with three goals already this season. The hosts, who have scored in their last nine matches, will be without the injured Jason Svanthorsson and Sam Lavelle.

Manchester United

Rúben Amorim will use this cup tie to heavily rotate his squad and is expected to hand a number of players their first starts of the season. Summer signing Benjamin Šeško is set to lead the line for the first time. Goalkeeper André Onana is also likely to be recalled.

The manager is also expected to give opportunities to youngsters like Tyler Fredricson and Kobbie Mainoo. However, he remains without the injured duo of Lisandro Martínez and Noussair Mazraoui.

Form

Grimsby Town

The League Two side could not be in better form for this historic clash. Artell’s men are unbeaten in their opening five league matches, sitting fifth in the table. They have scored in their last nine games in all competitions and will be confident of causing the Premier League giants problems.

Manchester United

In stark contrast, Manchester United are enduring a miserable start to the season. A frustrating 1-1 draw at Fulham, in which captain Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty, followed an opening-day defeat to Arsenal. Rúben Amorim is without a win and desperately needs a positive result to ease the mounting pressure.

Predicted Lineups

Grimsby Town predicted XI: Pym; Rodgers, Warren, McJannet, Staunton; Amaluzor, McEachran; Turi, Khouri, Burns; Kabia.

Manchester United predicted XI: Onana; Yoro, Fredricson, Maguire; Amad, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Zirkzee, Šeško, Mount.

The match will be broadcast live on ITV1, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football in the UK. Coverage begins at 7:30pm BST, with streaming available via ITVX and the Sky Go app.

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